Puncture Sealants

Continental recognises that there are a variety of different sealant products available on the market.

Broadly speaking there are four categories of products:

1. Manufacturer applied pre-puncture sealants
2. "After market” applied pre-puncture sealants
3. Consumer applied pre-puncture sealants
4. Consumer applied post-puncture sealants

The tyre industry recommends that to carry out a permanent tyre repair, it is required to remove the tyre from the rim and thoroughly examine it for secondary damage which may not be visible from an external inspection.

None of the sealants described below are a permanent repair.

Manufacturer applied pre-puncture sealants are viscous products applied or built into the tyre by the tyre manufacturer during the manufacturing process. These materials have been validated and applied by the tyre manufacturer. In most cases they provide a near instantaneous seal following a penetration. The consumer should follow all the instructions given by the tire manufacturer for these products.

“After market” applied pre-puncture sealants are viscous products applied by a service provider or sealant manufacturer into the tyre before mounting. If the consumer chooses to use such sealants, they should strictly follow all of the instructions given by the manufacturer of the sealant and/or the service provider.

Consumer applied pre-puncture sealants are most commonly a liquid or a gel injected into the tyre through the valve by the consumer themselves after mounting the tyre. If the consumer chooses to use such sealants, they should strictly follow all of the instructions given by the manufacturer of the sealant.

Consumer applied post-puncture sealants are regarded purely as a temporary ‘get you to a service point’ measure and are normally a liquid injected through the valve following tyre pressure loss. In most cases a punctured tyre or one which has sustained a loss of pressure, will have been ridden in an underinflated or deflated condition before the sealant is applied. Therefore, there are certain restrictions in speed and distance if continuing to use a tyre that may have sustained such damage. If the consumer chooses to use such sealants, they should strictly follow all of the instructions given by the manufacturer of the sealant.

The application of a sealant in a tire does not change the consumer’s role regarding tire maintenance. Tyres must be inspected routinely, i.e. at least once a month. This inspection should include the tyre inflation pressure and the visual condition of the tyres. Punctures or damage not attended to promptly can result in the loss of inflation pressure and/or damage to the tyre. Tyres with cuts and/or punctures must be inspected by a trained tyre specialist as soon as possible.

Continental does not endorse or prohibit the application of any sealant in Continental tyres. Furthermore, Continental cannot comment about the specific quality or application of non-Continental branded sealants as well as their compatibility with Continental tyres. We recommend to the consumer to refer to the instructions of the sealant manufacturer or to contact him for this purpose.

Continental is not responsible for any damage or deterioration which may occur to its tyres resulting from using any sealant product which is not marketed under the Continental name.

Continental advises that if a tyre is returned under complaint and the reason for the tyre's disablement is in any way associated with the use of non-Continental branded sealant products, the manufacturer’s warranty is invalidated.